Ease the pressure
December 1st 2006 Employers must recognise and understand the price of wrongly pressurising their staff, and understand the role they have to play in preventing stress in the workplace, says Lisa Fowlie, new president of IOSH Speaking at the Institution's annual dinner, Lisa said "Stress is still widely misunderstood as being just a psychological problem, but people need to understand that it also has physical and behavioural effects. Without being able to recognised the signs and symptoms of stress, individuals and managers will not be able to detect and manage it effectively." She warned employers that they have to do more to understand and prevent stress and to remember that it may not just affect the health of one person and their productivity, but can affect those around them too. Lisa added that it is sometimes relatively easy to relieve pressure at work "Minor adjustments are often enough to significantly reduce the threat from stress. Ensuring staff have a sympathetic ear is always a good starting point, but allowing more flexibility in working hours and adopting family friendly policies helps everyone." However, Lisa recognises that health and safety practitioners need the skills and support of others to tackle stress and occupational health issues: "We have to work in partnership with human resources managers, occupational health professionals and other specialists to prevent and tackle stress. Stress is something that needs a united front." More articles from IOSH: | 
